Las Vegas, the destination for world-class global cuisine, has no shortage of delicious Asian and Pacific Islander food. The city features restaurants owned and operated by some incredibly talented Asian American and Pacific Islanders who call Las Vegas home. Grab your friends and embark on a food tour you will not soon forget. Let’s look at some of your mouthwatering options.
On the Strip
Owner Michael Chow, a British Chinese restaurateur and artist, offers authentic Beijing cuisine served family-style. Menu highlights include chicken satay, green prawns and MR CHOW hand-pulled noodles. The atmosphere is clean and elegant, with modern décor and one-of-a-kind designs such as a kinetic moon sculpture that hovers over the main dining room.
At the helm of the first Chinese restaurant in Las Vegas to earn a Michelin star is executive chef Ming Yu, who grew up in the Taishan province in China. He serves fine dining with Cantonese, Shanghai and Szechuan flavors. Menu highlights include a tableside-carved imperial Peking duck and wok-fried Maine lobster. The restaurant features a lavish, gold dining room inspired by classical Chinese jewel boxes, and century-old pomegranate trees.
Michelin Star award-winning chef Akira Back was born in Seoul and offers his patrons innovative dishes inspired by his travels, such as authentic, traditional and modern Japanese cuisine that incorporates seasonal fish and fresh ingredients flown in daily. The restaurant features panoramic views of the Bellagio fountains and swoon-worthy décor, including a massive bronze statue of a yellowtail at the entrance.
The first and only hot pot experience on the Las Vegas Strip is a mix of traditional Chinese and American cuisines with high-quality ingredients such as imported A5 Wagyu beef from Japan and fresh seafood. The immersive dining experience features stunning HD 360 projections and a hanging decorative bird sculpture.
Owned by Roy Choi, a Korean American chef who gained prominence as the creator of a gourmet Korean Mexican taco truck, Best Friend is a mix of bodega, bar and restaurant that features Korean cuisine. Menu highlights include Kimchi carbonara; birria ramen; and Cowboy Chop, a 34-ounce, bone-in rib eye with gochujang butter.
Colorful Asian-inspired murals adorn the walls of award-winning chef Martin Yan’s restaurant. The menu is Asian fusion, with flavors from Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cuisines, and features roast BBQ, hand-pulled noodles, meats and seafood, along with vibrant cocktails made with continental ingredients such as lychee and yuzu.
Off the Strip
Aloha Specialties transports its patrons to paradise with Hawaiian paper umbrellas, wicker chairs covered with “Aloha” prints, and native wall art. Specialties include teriyaki plates, stews and curries, and rice bowls.
Tim Ho Wan is a Michelin-starred dim sum restaurant based in Hong Kong. Each dish is made to order and uses ingredients shipped in daily, such as baked barbecue pork buns, steamed shrimp dumplings, and sticky rice in lotus leaf. Co-founders Mak Kwai Pui and Leung Fai Keung have also created special dishes just for Las Vegas, including a Wagyu beef rice roll.
Lotus of Siam is headed by Penny Chutima, a second-generation restaurateur and daughter of James Beard Award-winning chef Saipin Chutima, and Lou Abin, a seasoned local hospitality veteran. It offers Northern Thai cuisine that features Bangkok-style recipes like softshell crab, Chilean seabass, and chicken lollipops.
A classic 1960’s Chinese restaurant with a diner feel, Fat Choy is a local hidden gem. The meat-centric menu highlights include bao sandwiches, burgers and chicken wings.
Top Eats in Chinatown
In Chinatown, you’ll discover all kinds of delightful options, featuring authentic cuisine from the likes of the below Asian-owned businesses.
Named after a Korean film, “Gabi,” due to its tale of barista lovers and swindlers who plot to use coffee in their heist, this coffee shop and bakery is anything but ordinary. Discover a unique interior with a greenhouse-like area and a 19th century-looking section with vintage hardware and Edison bulbs. Rising in popularity for its cakes, the bakery offerings are sure to please.
Award-winning, authentic Japanese cuisine from owner and chef, Mitsuo Endo, was born in Tokyo and learned Kaiseki, a Japanese traditional course style cuisine. Food is grilled over oak “binchō-tan” charcoal to create a crisp finish and flavorful dishes. Be sure to try one of the 85+ sakes offered, all imported from Japan.
A Japanese tapas and bar that offers sushi, sashimi, salads, an assortment of grilled dishes such as grilled squid, smelt fish or eggplant with granted ginger and appetizers. The restaurant features bamboo décor and a sushi bar and is open until 3 a.m., making this a perfect late-night dining option.
A small, traditional Japanese noodle house with quick service. When it comes to the ramen, expect a bold, flavorful broth. Signature dishes include a pork belly, chashu or mini mentaiko bowl. Yum!
The interior is set to replicate the ’80s street style in Korea, even including feels from how Korean butchers used to allow customers to watch as they prepared meat. So, when you visit, expect an authentic Korean BBQ experience with top-quality meat and ingredients.
Grab your friends and take an unforgettable Asian American and Pacific Islander food tour. In between meals, make the most of your time in the Entertainment Capital of the World by catching some of Las Vegas’ incredible shows and events. Plus, don’t forget to check out all these free things to do in Vegas.